Most of us remember to apply sunscreen when we’re out in the sun, but what about our lips? That’s right, your lips can get sunburned! Luckily, the solution is easy: make your own batch of this all-natural lip balm with SPF.
Before going out in the sun, do you apply sunscreen to your skin? We all know the importance of taking care of our skin when exposed to ultraviolet rays.
But what about your lips? Applying sunscreen directly to your lips is not very appetizing. Plus, it dries out your lips and makes them lose their shine.
Instead, try this homemade sunscreen lip balm that contains SPF. This product will protect your lips and make them soft to kiss, and is made from all natural ingredients!
Here’s what we’ll be covering today…
Should lip balm have SPF?
Most of the lip balm formulas I make have some form of sunscreen in the oils and waxes. Most days of the year, I feel confident that my lips are protected just by using these.
But during the hot summer months, when UV levels are high, I have a go-to solution: this sunscreen lip balm recipe.
Many ingredients in natural lip balm formulas provide some level of SPF. Some oils, such as raspberry seed oil and olive oil, are said to have additional sun protection properties.
This formula builds on the basic lip balm formula, using emollient oils like wheat germ, jojoba, and shea butter, each of which has SPF properties.
Essential oils in sunscreen lip balm
It is important to note that there are ingredients that can accelerate the effects of sun exposure. Phototoxic essential oils are usually citrus. (lemon, lime, bitter orange, tangerine leaves and grapefruit).
For this recipe, I only use essential oils that have sun protection properties.
Sweet orange essential oil is generally considered non-phototoxic, which is why it’s included in this SPF lip balm. Vanilla essential oil is also included, giving it a pleasant popsicle flavor.
How much SPF is in this lip balm?
Making your own sunscreen or sun protection products at home is an effective way to increase sun protection and is what I use for my fair, freckled (i.e. sunburn-prone) skin.
I wouldn’t venture a guess as to what the SPF of a homemade recipe is, though. Maybe That said I have been using this formula on my lips for years and have never had a single burn.
Plus, I can feel good about the ingredients that go into the formula and on my skin. My general rule is to stay out of the sun when UV rays are strongest and take steps to protect my skin (and lips) as naturally as possible.
As with all home cooking recipes, Try a little on your skin and see how you react. Those with sensitive skin, pregnant or lactating, or using on children should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional.
Sunscreen Lip Balm Recipe
This formula make six standard sized tubes of lip balm with SPF. If you need more or less, you can adjust the formula accordingly.
Ingredient
Materials
Let’s do it!
- First, infuse olive oil with marigold flowers according to the instructions below.
- Measure all the ingredients into a small double boiler or Turkish coffee pot. I like to use a Turkish coffee pot because it has a pouring spout. I can heat the oils quickly and then easily pour them into the tubes.
- Once the oil, wax and butter have melted together, Turn off the heat and add the essential oil. Stir well with a small spoon.
- Once everything is mixed together, use the spout on your Turkish coffee pot to pour the lip balm into the tubes. Fill each tube to just above where the screw in the middle is.
- Let the lip balm cool, then warm the remaining mixture in the pot so you can fill each tube. Filling the lip balm in two steps will ensure that you won’t have a large hollow area with a hole in the middle of the lip balm. If this happens, you can always add a little lip balm to the top of the indented area and use a lighter to melt the remaining lip balm. If this recipe is for your own use only (and you don’t really care about the appearance), then just fill each tube one at a time the first time; it won’t affect the functionality or usefulness of the final product.
Frequently Asked Questions About SPF Lip Balms
Absolutely. The skin around your lips is very thin and contains little melanin (the pigment in our skin that provides natural protection from the sun). This makes the skin on your lips very susceptible to sun damage and skin cancer.
SPF 15-30 is usually all you need for a lip balm. While I can’t speak specifically to the SPF of this lip balm, I’ve never gotten sunburned while using it.
The general rule is that you should reapply any sunscreen every two hours, depending on whether you’ve been swimming or sweating, or in this case, eating or drinking.
More ways to stay safe in the sun
Homemade Lip Balm with SPF
This all-natural sunscreen lip balm is made with ingredients you can use with confidence.
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Measure each ingredient, except the essential oil, and place in a double boiler.
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Melt ingredients together over low heat.
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Turn off the heat, then stir in the essential oils.
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Once the lip balm ingredients are completely mixed, carefully pour the mixture into empty lip balm tubes.
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Let them set and apply to lips before going out in the sun!
